Veterinary Hospitals Near Me Offering Surgery, Cardiology, and Internal Medicine for Pets
When your pet needs more than routine wellness care, finding a veterinary hospital that offers advanced specialty services like surgery, cardiology, and internal medicine can feel overwhelming. Not every animal hospital has board-certified specialists on staff, and knowing what to look for makes a real difference in outcomes. In the Los Angeles area alone, the pet population continues to grow, with the AVMA estimating roughly 89.7 million pet dogs in the U.S. as of 2024. This guide explains what each specialty involves, what qualifications to expect from veterinary specialists, and how to choose the right hospital for your dog or cat.
What Are Veterinary Specialty Services?
Veterinary specialty services are advanced medical disciplines practiced by veterinarians who have completed additional years of residency training and earned board certification through organizations like the American College of Veterinary Surgeons or the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Unlike general practitioners, these specialists focus exclusively on one area of medicine.
A board-certified veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has completed a multi-year residency and passed rigorous examinations in a specific discipline. Most pets are referred to specialists by their primary care veterinarian when a condition requires diagnostics or treatments beyond what a general practice can offer.
Veterinary Surgery: When Your Pet Needs an Operation
Veterinary surgery encompasses everything from orthopedic procedures like cruciate ligament repair to soft-tissue surgeries involving the abdomen, chest, or skin. Board-certified surgeons hold credentials from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) after completing a three-year surgical residency.
Common Surgical Procedures
Pets may need surgery for fracture repair, mass removal, splenectomy, foreign body extraction, or reconstructive procedures. Hospitals with dedicated surgical departments typically have advanced anesthesia monitoring, sterile operating suites, and post-operative ICU support.
Why Location Matters
Choosing a surgical facility close to home reduces transport stress and allows for easier follow-up visits. In Los Angeles, LAASER offers comprehensive surgical services staffed by board-certified surgeons alongside board-certified anesthesiologists, ensuring the safest possible experience for your pet.
Veterinary Cardiology: Heart Care for Dogs and Cats
Veterinary cardiology is the specialty focused on diagnosing and treating diseases of the heart and cardiovascular system in animals. Conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, and congenital heart defects all fall within this discipline.
At LAASER, veterinary cardiologists are board-certified in Internal Medicine by the ACVIM with a sub-specialty in cardiology. Cardiologists use advanced diagnostics such as echocardiography, ECG monitoring including Holter monitoring, pacemaker implantation, and interventional techniques like balloon valvuloplasty.
Signs Your Pet May Need a Cardiologist
Watch for persistent coughing, exercise intolerance, rapid or labored breathing, fainting episodes, or a heart murmur detected by your primary vet. Early evaluation by a cardiologist can significantly improve long-term outcomes and quality of life.
Internal Medicine: Diagnosing Complex Conditions
Veterinary internal medicine is the specialty dedicated to the diagnosis and management of complex, chronic, or multi-system diseases in animals. Internists hold the DACVIM credential after completing a three-year accredited residency.
LAASER's internal medicine specialists are trained in advanced diagnostics such as endoscopy, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT) scans. Services include bronchoscopy, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, rhinoscopy, and cystoscopy, allowing minimally invasive investigation of gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary, and endocrine conditions.
When to See an Internist
Your primary vet may refer your pet to an internist for unexplained weight loss, chronic vomiting or diarrhea, immune-mediated diseases, liver or kidney disorders, or complex infections that have not responded to standard treatment.
How to Choose a Specialty Veterinary Hospital
Not all specialty hospitals are created equal. Here are the most important factors to evaluate:
Board Certification and Credentials
Confirm that specialists hold current board certification (e.g., DACVS for surgeons, DACVIM for internists and cardiologists). At LAASER, the veterinary team includes board-certified specialists across multiple disciplines including emergency and critical care, surgery, neurology, cardiology, and internal medicine.
24/7 Emergency Availability
Complications can arise at any hour. A hospital with round-the-clock emergency care ensures your pet has immediate access to critical support before and after specialty procedures. LAASER's emergency department is open 24/7/365 with no appointment needed.
Collaborative Care Model
The best specialty hospitals work closely with your primary care veterinarian. LAASER partners with primary care veterinarians in Los Angeles through a dedicated referral portal, keeping referring vets updated throughout the treatment process.
Specialty Services Comparison Table
The following table highlights key features to compare when evaluating specialty veterinary hospitals:
| Feature | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Board-Certified Surgeons | DACVS credential, dedicated OR suites | Ensures highest surgical standards and safety |
| Cardiology Department | DACVIM (Cardiology), echocardiography, Holter monitoring | Accurate heart disease diagnosis and advanced treatment options |
| Internal Medicine | DACVIM credential, endoscopy, CT, ultrasonography | Minimally invasive diagnostics for complex chronic diseases |
| 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care | Board-certified criticalists on staff around the clock | Immediate stabilization and post-procedure monitoring |
| Referral Coordination | Online portal, direct communication with primary vet | Seamless continuity of care between providers |
| Location & Accessibility | Central location, easy freeway access | Reduces stress for pet and owner during urgent situations |
Key Takeaways
- Board-certified veterinary specialists complete multi-year residencies beyond veterinary school, ensuring deep expertise in surgery, cardiology, or internal medicine.
- Cardiology diagnostics like echocardiography and Holter monitoring can detect heart disease early, improving treatment outcomes.
- Internal medicine specialists use minimally invasive tools such as endoscopy and CT scans to diagnose complex chronic conditions.
- Choosing a hospital with 24/7 emergency care means your pet has immediate access to critical support at any hour.
- A collaborative referral model between your primary vet and the specialty hospital ensures seamless, coordinated treatment.
- LAASER in Glassell Park, Los Angeles, offers surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, and seven additional specialties under one roof.
- According to the AVMA, U.S. pet owners spent an average of $598 (dogs) and $529 (cats) on veterinary care in 2025, underscoring the value of choosing the right specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a veterinary specialist?
Most specialty departments prefer a referral from your primary care veterinarian so they can review prior medical records and diagnostics. However, LAASER's emergency department is open 24/7 and requires no appointment or referral.
What is the difference between a veterinary surgeon and a general practitioner who performs surgery?
A board-certified veterinary surgeon (DACVS) has completed a three-year surgical residency and passed specialty board exams. General practitioners may perform routine surgeries but typically refer complex cases to certified surgeons.
How do I know if my pet needs a cardiologist?
Common signs include a newly detected heart murmur, persistent cough, exercise intolerance, rapid breathing, or fainting. Your primary vet will typically recommend a cardiology consultation if they suspect heart disease.
What conditions does a veterinary internist treat?
Internists handle complex cases involving the gastrointestinal, respiratory, endocrine, urinary, and immune systems. They are especially helpful when a diagnosis remains elusive after initial testing by your primary vet.
Is LAASER open on holidays and weekends?
Yes. LAASER is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The emergency department accepts walk-ins at any time, and you can call ahead at 323-800-VETS (8387).
How much does a specialty veterinary visit cost?
Costs vary by specialty and complexity of the case. According to the AVMA, the average cost of a veterinary visit in 2025 was $200, though specialty consultations and procedures may be higher. Contact the hospital directly for estimates.
Where is LAASER located?
LAASER is located at 2500 N San Fernando Road in the Glassell Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA 90065. The facility is centrally located with easy access from surrounding communities. You can find directions and contact details on the contact page.
Schedule Your Pet's Specialty Visit
If your pet needs advanced surgery, cardiology, or internal medicine care, do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Request an appointment at LAASER or call 323-800-VETS (8387) to speak with our team. For emergencies, walk in any time, day or night. Your pet deserves the highest level of specialty care, and our board-certified team is ready to help.